Gestalt theory is a fundamental psychological principle in design that posits that humans tend to perceive objects as a whole before seeing them as individual parts. The theory is defined by several laws of perceptual organization, which describe how the human eye groups different elements. The principles listed in the question—proximity (grouping close elements), closure (mentally filling in gaps), continuity (following lines and curves), and similarity (grouping like elements)—are the core, foundational laws of Gestalt theory used to create unity and visual order in a composition.

B. Maslow's: This is a theory of human motivation (Hierarchy of Needs), not a theory of visual perception.

C. Integration: This is a general term for combining parts into a whole, not a specific psychological theory with defined laws of perception.

D. Third place: This is a sociological concept referring to social environments separate from home and work, not a theory of visual perception.

1. Pile

J.

& Gura

J. (2014). A History of Interior Design (4th ed.). Laurence King Publishing. In Chapter 3

"The Principles and Elements of Design

" the text explains Gestalt psychology and its principles

stating

"The key principles of Gestalt theory that are most useful in design are similarity

proximity

continuity

and closure" (p. 58).

2. Lidwell

W.

Holden

K.

& Butler

J. (2010). Universal Principles of Design

Revised and Updated. Rockport Publishers. This reference details the Gestalt principles individually

attributing them to the theory. See sections on Closure (p. 42)

Continuity (p. 50)

Proximity (p. 160)

and Similarity (p. 182).

3. Graham

L. (2008). Gestalt Theory in Interactive Media Design. Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences

2(1)

1-12. The article explicitly introduces the topic by stating

"The main principles of Gestalt theory are: proximity

similarity

continuity and closure" (p. 1).